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| ::Interviews:: |
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| review & interview content, as well as web site graphics & design, copywrite 2003-2004 Euphonia Online. use of materials granted only with reasonable purposes. |
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| interviewed by robby sumner |
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| Interview with Justin June 22nd, 2005 |
Dave Schroeder - Vocals Mike Guffey - Guitar Nick Walters - Guitar Chris Dickey - Bass Justin Hanson - Drums |
| E: Justin, you play in the band SoTheySay, the latest signing of Fearless Records with a brand new record just out a week or so ago. How much recognition and attention do you think the band got before the sign compared to what you feel you can expect now that you're releasing off of Fearless? Justin: Well, with label backing we have received a lot more attention, as opposed to being an independent band. Before the signing, we had a lot of hype in St Louis and some other cities in the Midwest, but it's nothing like now. We are on the Warped Tour and it's nuts going to other states and seeing kids sing the songs and knowing all the words. So I expect a lot more hype and good things to come because of Fearless! E: Was there any sort of intimidation factor as you reached this very definite transition period into playing the field with some of the major acts out there? Or are you pretty confident about how well you'll do with the existing big names? Justin: Yeah, there are a lot of good bands out there, especially on our label. I mean, we have Gatsby, Yesterdays Rising, and Plan White T's. Those are hard bands to keep up with. But I think we will do fine. I think we have some really solid songs on our EP, and when kids find out it was self-produced, I think they will get into it more. E: How do you think the new album showcases the type of music your band will be releasing to fans in the future? Justin: I think the EP shows our strength as songwriters. We wanted to put out an EP that had strong hooks, and that people could relate to. I think people are sick of hearing cliche screams and break downs. We just wanted to put out an EP with good, classic song strong structures, melodies, and hooks. E: Have your live performances become at all different since you wrote the EP and joined Fearless? Justin: Well, our EP was written before we signed to Fearless. So we have been rockin' those songs live for a while. If anything, Fearless has given us the opportunity to have a lot more kids hear and know our music. So there are a lot more kids at shows, and we vibe off that. I'd say our live show is a lot more intense because of it. But we always try to give our best and be passionate on stage, whether or not there are a lot kids! E: You guys are currently playing dates on the Vans Warped Tour--do you think that a spot on this tour holds just as much respect and honor as it did originally? Justin: Yeah, we feel really honored to be on the Warped Tour. Anytime a small band like us gets to hang with bigger bands and play with bigger crowds, it's an amazing thing. But I feel really privileged to play with a lot great bands and meet a lot of great people. I do think its impressive that we get to play a great stage (Smart Punk) and play with great bands. But I do think it's impressive that we are playing on Smart Punk... it's a stepping stone. It's better than playing on no stage, right? E: Have you always considered the band to be something you could potentially do for a living? Or is this just recently becoming a reality? Justin: I've always dreamed about being able to play music and support myself with only doing that. SoTheySay getting signed to Fearless definitely made the idea seem like more of a reality. But it's not, yet, and it won't be for a while. E: Do you think you'll ever want to branch out into other projects? Justin: I love music and I love playing drums. I'm constantly excited by new things and new music. So time can only tell, but I'm really satisfied with SoTheySay right now, especially on our new material we have written for the full-length. E: Do you think that you'll have a lot more freedoms or production abilities recording a full-length LP than with the EP process? Justin: Yeah, we have a lot more tools to work with on the LP. We are actually going to have a producer, and a way bigger budget. With those things I think we will be able to really convey all of our ideas and wants. So yes, I think we will have more freedom. Our label isn't a bunch of Nazis, either. They let us do pretty much what we want, because they trust us, and in return, we trust them. E: Do you generally have specific concepts or plans you want to apply to an entire album of material? Or is it just an individual song-by-song compilation? Justin: On the EP it was a different song-by-song compilation sort of thing. On the new album, there is definitely going to be an underlying theme... but it's not going to be a concept album. E: What sort of themes were you thinking? Justin: That's for you to decide! When it comes out, that is. We don't really want to talk about our themes... we would rather kids listen and interpret the music the way they want to. E: With so many bands talking about the "dream" of being a musician... how have you always interpreted this ambition for yourself? Justin: My dream is to be able to continue to play music I love, and share it with lots of people. If I can keep doing that and support myself, I will have totally made my "dream" come true. E: Well thanks a whole lot... anything else you want to say? Justin: Just a big "thank you" to everyone for their support, and you guys for givin' us a chance to promote! |
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